Diane Martel

Diane Martel, the inventive director who helped define pop music's look for three decades, died September 18, 2025, in New York City. She was 63. Her family said she died peacefully at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital after a long battle with breast cancer.

Born May 7, 1962, in New York City, Martel left high school early and immersed herself in dance and choreography before moving behind the camera. She first drew wide notice with the PBS documentary "Reckin' Shop: Live From Brooklyn" in 1992, then shifted to music videos, beginning with Onyx's "Throw Ya Gunz."

Across the 1990s, Martel became a go-to visual stylist for hip-hop and R&B artists. She directed striking clips for Method Man ("Bring the Pain") and Gang Starr ("Mass Appeal"). Her creative partnership with Mariah Carey yielded fan favorites including "Dreamlover" and the holiday perennial "All I Want for Christmas Is You."

Her range expanded through the 2000s and 2010s, working with global stars across genres. Credits include Justin Timberlake's "Like I Love You," Beyoncé's "Best Thing I Never Had," The Killers' "Read My Mind," Pink's "Just Give Me a Reason," and Ciara's recent "Ecstasy," released in April 2025.

In 2013 Martel directed two of the decade's most debated videos: Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" and Miley Cyrus's "We Can't Stop." She described her approach to "Blurred Lines" as satirical, intending the women to hold the power on screen, while acknowledging the controversy that followed. Years later, Martel publicly supported model Emily Ratajkowski's account of Thicke's misconduct on that set.

Peers and admirers remembered Martel for her fearless taste, speed on set, and affection for collaborators. Tributes from artists and public figures-among them Ciara and Vanessa Bryant-reflected the personal loyalty she inspired as much as the cultural footprint of her videos.

By Legacy News Staff

(Image: @dianemartel_ via Instagram)